CCHS Patriots Pounce On Weston Wildcats

The Patriots (2-0) lacrosse team defeated their league rival, the Weston Wildcats (0- 1) 17-7 Thursday. The game began in dramatic fashion as each team matched their opponent goal for goal through the first twelve minutes.  

The Patriots played true to form as Attackers Caroline Donelan and Josie Morrison patiently and productively moved the ball around the eight, setting up plays and finding open players who took advantage of shooting opportunities.

The  Wildcats, however fought right back  winning draw controls, utilizing their speed and turning  them into fast break goals. Weston’s workhorse was Vanderbuilt-bound Senior Attacker Emma Degras who almost single handedly, kept Weston in the game.

Coach Morrison- “We shared the DCL Small title with Weston last year, so we knew they would be good. They have two players on their squad who will play Division 1 next year, however my players were determined to match them step for step”.

With eight minutes remaining in the first half and the score tied at 5, the Patriot defense buckled down. Catie Standish, Annie Bannon and Emma Mahoney effectively  help  defend their end while teammates  Caroline Guild, Jenny Robinson & Marin Epstein each created crucial Weston  turnovers  that allowed the Patriots to transition the ball down the field.

The Patriot offense then went on the attack proving they too have the speed necessary for fast-break scoring as they rattled off seven straight goals including one score on the very last second of the half by Josie Morrison who, with time running out, smartly drew the foul  then scored on her free position shot.

The half ended with the Patriots commanding a 12-5 lead.

The strength of the Patriots lies within the balance of the team. It’s apparent that every player has complete confidence with one another. The combination of an aggressive but patient defense that forces turn overs, collects loose balls and effectively transitions  to an offense of midfielders and attackers who have speed, poise and scoring ability makes for a well rounded team.

“We have some really talented underclassmen who have played high level club lacrosse for years. Allie Barrett continues to impress with her play on attack and defense," Coach Morrison said. "But it is our Seniors that continue to be the driving force of the team. The seniors are lunch pail type players who do the gritty things on Defense and at Attack that give the entire squad a sense of stability. Against Weston Senior Defender Marin Epstein exemplified that determined type of player I am talking about.”

The second half was dominated by Concord Carlisle as the defense continued to dig in deeper  while goalie Greta White continued to show her keeper abilities making several solid saves and allowing Weston only two goals the entire second half.

The Patriot offense was led by Jessie Castelline (five draw controls, one goal, one assist), Jill Carlton (four goals, three assists), Allie Barrett (four goals, five caused turnovers ), Emma Brandhorst (three goals), Becca Olsen (two goals), Freshmen Jenna Carlton (one goal) and Lexi Goodhue (one goal ).

“Leadership continues to be an early season factor for our club. The three captains played vital roles in the win. Jill Carlton had the type of offensive explosion we know she is capable of, Jessie Castelline dominated the draw controls, and Josie Morrison’s last second goal at the end of the first half killed any hopes Weston had of making a comeback," Coach Morrison said. 

The Concord Carlisle Patriots continue their play Saturday at 5 p.m. in Wellesley as they take on the Wellesley Raiders in a Division 1 Non league game.